Device and Method for Supporting Objects in a Level Position on Sloped Terrain

ABSTRACT

Support devices and methods are provided for enabling the level placement of objects, such as a potted plant, on inclined surfaces, such as a hill or other sloped terrain. The support device includes an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/743,875, filed Mar. 28, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/885,926, filed Jan. 22, 2007. These applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally in the field of support devices, and more particularly in the field of methods and devices for installation on sloped terrain to provide a relatively level surface on which to support other articles such as potted plants or the like.

Supporting objects, such as an article of manufacture, on inclined surfaces presents problems not encountered when supporting objects on level surfaces. Most objects have a center of gravity that is located directly above the base of the object. When such an object is placed on a level surface, it remains stable because the force of gravity is transferred vertically into the ground below. When such an object, however, is placed on an inclined surface, the center of gravity becomes offset from the base of the object. As a result of this offset, the force of gravity creates a rotational force, i.e., a torque, which makes the object likely to tip over. It would therefore be useful to provide a device and method that substantially reduces or eliminates the rotational forces created when an object is placed on an inclined surface.

Objects that have reduced bases and/or raised centers of gravity are particularly unstable when placed on inclined surfaces. A non-limiting example of such an object is a potted plant. Pots used for plants typically have a round base of a reduced diameter that flares upward to a round opening with a larger diameter. These pots are filled with potting soil centered above the base of the pot, and a plant whose bulk is above the opening of the pot. Unfortunately, this high center of gravity and reduced base makes the potted plant very susceptible to tipping over when placed upon an inclined surface. It would therefore be useful to provide a device and method that can support a potted plant or other article on an inclined surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Support devices and methods are provided for enabling the level placement of objects on inclined surfaces. In one aspect, a support device is provided for level placement of an article on sloped terrain, in which the device includes an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface. In one embodiment, the support device may further includes a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface; and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first and second connecting members to the first and second lower surfaces.

The upper surface may be substantially planar. Alternatively or additionally, the first lower surface (or the second lower surface, or both) may be substantially planar. The upper surface and the lower surface(s) may each be planar and substantially parallel to one another. The upper surface at the load end portion of the upper member may include a lip or backstop.

The soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion may be tapered. It also may include one or more barbs. The load end portion of the elongated upper portion may include a strike plate.

The upper member, the connecting member, the lower member each may include one or more reinforcement flanges. In one embodiment, the upper member has a T-shaped cross-section.

The upper member, first connecting member, and first lower member may be an integrally formed unitary structure. The unitary structure may include polymer or metal materials of construction.

In one embodiment, a support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain is provided that includes (a) an upper member which comprises (i) an elongated plate which has a tapered soil insertion end and an opposing end and an upper support surface therebetween, (ii) a reinforcement flange running the length of the elongated plate on the side of the elongated plate which is distal to the upper support surface, and (iii) a strike plate located at the opposing end of the elongated plate; (b) a rigid connecting member which is integral with and extends at an angle from the reinforcement flange of the upper member; and (c) a lower plate member connected to the end of the rigid connecting member distal to the upper member. In one case, the reinforcement flange tapers toward the soil insertion end of the elongated plate. The reinforcement flange may include one or more barbs. The support device may be made of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. In one embodiment, the lower plate member is triangular shaped, preferably with the apex pointing in the same direction as the tapered soil insertion end of the elongated plate of the upper member.

In another aspect, methods are provided for level placement of an article on sloped terrain. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) providing a support device which comprises (i) an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; (ii) a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and (iii) a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member; (b) inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into soil of the sloped terrain with the first lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil, such that the upper surface is secured in a substantially level orientation; and (c) placing the article on top of the upper surface of the upper member of the support device. In another embodiment, the device further includes (iv) a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface, and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, and step (b) further includes having the second lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil. In a preferred embodiment, the article is a potted plant or container for container gardening.

In another embodiment of methods of using the support devices, two or more support devices are provided, and the soil insertion end portions of the two or more support devices are inserted into the soil at adjacent positions, and the article is placed onto the upper surfaces of the two or more support devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the support device as it may be used to support a pot.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of one embodiment of the support device.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the support device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the support device, which has a reinforced support structure.

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view of still another embodiment of the support device.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Support devices and methods have been developed for supporting objects that are to be maintained in a substantially vertical or upright position while being positioned on an inclined surface, particularly a sloped soil surface. These support devices and methods may be used to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, the rotational forces created when an article is placed on an inclined surface. These support devices and methods allow articles with reduced bases and/or raised centers of gravity to be placed upright on an inclined surface. The support devices are particularly suitable for securing flower pots, gardening pots, and other articles in a vertical position on terrain that is not level but sloped in at least one direction. For example, the terrain may be a natural or landscaped hill. The support devices generally can be installed in a variety of different types of soils, clays, and the like.

The Support Devices

In one aspect, a support device is provided for level placement of an article on sloped terrain which device includes (a) an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; (b) a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and (c) a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member. The support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.

The upper member may include at least one reinforcement flange. In one embodiment, the flange extends substantially the length of the member on the lower side of the member, distal to the upper surface. It may be tapered. It may be integrally connected with the connecting member. This flange should aid in stabilizing the installed the support device in the ground, resisting device rotation or horizontal shifting.

In one embodiment, the upper surface may be substantially planar, such that a rigid article can rest stably when placed onto the upper surface. The upper surface may extend the length of the upper member or may be provided only at the load end portion of the upper member. In various embodiments, the upper surface may have a circular, triangular, or rectangular in shape. The upper surface may be smooth or rough, and may have a texture or pattern (e.g., an array of dimples, ridges, nodules, etc.) for aesthetic purposes and/or to enhance frictional engagement of the upper surface in contact with articles resting thereon. The upper surface, the lower surface, or both, may be planar or non-planar. Examples of non-planar surfaces include surfaces having a convex, concave, or corrugated shape.

In one embodiment, the upper member includes a lip or backstop useful for preventing articles placed on the upper surface from sliding off of the end of the support device. The backstop may be part of the strike plate, which described below.

In a preferred embodiment, the support device includes a strike plate, which provides a surface upon which to hammer (e.g., with a sledge hammer or mallet) to aid a user in installing the device into the ground surface. The strike plate may be a substantially flat plate that is perpendicular to the length of the elongated upper member and normal to the direction of insertion of the device into soil. The strike plate may be of essentially any shape. It should be rigid and integral with or firmly attached to the upper member, to the connecting member, or to both the upper member and the connecting member.

The strike plate may include letters, numbers, designs, or other ornamental or communicative features, which can be observed on the installed support device. Alternatively, an auxiliary ornamental device may be hung onto or otherwise attached to the strike plate following installation of the support device in the sloped terrain.

In a preferred embodiment, the soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion has tapered or pointed end, to facilitate insertion of the upper member into soil. In other embodiments, the soil insertion end may be blunt. In one embodiment, the soil insertion end may be designed to have multiple prongs, or points, so as to resemble a fork or skewer. The soil insertion end portion may include one or more barbs, which may help resist retraction of the elongated member from the soil, helping secure the support device once it has been inserted to the desired depth.

The connecting member should be rigid enough to transfer a load from the upper member to the lower member with no or negligible deformation. The connecting member may be straight, angled, or curved. In one embodiment, it includes one or more reinforcement flanges. The reinforcement flanges may be tapered. The reinforcement flanges may extend the full or a partial length of the connecting member. The connecting member reinforcement flange may taper toward or away from the lower member. The connecting member may be integral with the strike plate.

The lower member may be in any of a variety of shapes that is effective to stably transfer a vertical load to the soil immediately beneath the lower surface of the lower member, whether resting on or at least partially insert into the ground. In one embodiment, the lower plate member is triangular shaped with the apex pointing in essentially the same direction as the insertion end of the elongated plate of the upper member. In one embodiment, the first lower surface is substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface and the first lower surface are both planar and are substantially parallel to one another.

In another embodiment, the support device includes two or more lower members and associated connecting structures. For example, the device may include a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface, and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member. In such an embodiment, the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first and second connecting members to the first and second lower surfaces. This embodiment typically would be more stable than embodiments having a single lower plate, and may be necessary or desirable for stably supporting very large or heavy articles.

In still another variation, a single support device may be designed to include two or more upper members and one or more lower members.

The support device can be made using conventional manufacturing techniques, depending of the materials of construction that are selected. In various embodiments, the support device may be made of materials selected from polymers, graphite, fiberglass, metals, alloys, wood, or combinations thereof. For example, the support device may be made of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The support device may be formed of a composite material, such as a polymeric material reinforced with particles or fibers dispersed therein. The material(s) of construction should be insect- and weather-resistant, and/or coated with a suitable paint, lacquer, or other protective finish.

In a preferred embodiment, the support device is a unitary structure, such that the upper member, first connecting member, and first lower member are integrally connected. In one embodiment, the support device is made by a molding process, such as injection molding of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the support device is made from separately formed components that are welded or fastened together.

In one particular embodiment, the support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain includes (a) an upper member that includes (i) an elongated plate, which has a tapered soil insertion end, an opposing end, and an upper support surface, (ii) a reinforcement flange running the length of the elongated plate on the side of the elongated plate which is distal to the upper support surface, and (iii) a strike plate located at the opposing end of the elongated plate; (b) a rigid connecting member which is integral with and extends at an angle from the reinforcement flange of the upper member; and (c) a lower plate member connected to the end of the rigid connecting member distal to the upper member. In one case, the reinforcement flange of the upper member tapers toward the soil insertion end of the elongated plate. In another case, the rigid connecting member also has a reinforcement flange.

In one embodiment, the length of the upper member and the area of the upper surface are substantially greater, respectively, than the length of the lower member and the area of the low surface. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to provide that the length of the lower member(s) or the area(s) of the lower surface(s) are substantially equal to or greater than the length of the upper member or the area of the upper surface. Generally, the surface area of the lower surface should be great enough to distribute the weight of the supported object without causing the lower member to sink vertically into the ground. In one exemplary embodiment of the support device, the upper member has a length from 4 to 30 inches, the lower member has a length from 0.5 to 12 inches, and the connecting member provides a device height (i.e., distance from upper surface to lower surface) from 2 to 14 inches. Other sizes and designs are envisioned.

The support devices can be further understood with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pair of support devices 100 installed (inserted) into a sloped ground 150. A pot/planter 160 is sitting in a level position on top of the support devices. One, two, three, or more of the support devices may used, depending, for example, upon the sizes of each support device and the object(s) to be supported.

Details of support device 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The support device 100 includes an elongated upper member 102 which has planar upper surface 104 and lower member 110 which has planar lower surface 112. The upper member and lower member are joined by a connecting member 114. The upper member includes a soil insertion end portion 106 and a load end portion 108. The upper member 102 also includes a reinforcement flange 122 which extends underneath the upper, planar portion of the member. At the load end portion of the upper member 102, the reinforcement flange is integrally connected to connecting member 114. The upper member also includes a plurality of barbs 116 in the solid insertion end portion 106. The support device 100 further includes a strike plate 118 which is positioned to provide a backstop 120 for the upper surface 104.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the support device. The support device 200 includes upper member 202, connecting member 214, lower member 210, and strike plate 218. The upper member, which has a T-shaped cross-section, includes a reinforcement flange 222, which is integral with connecting member 214. Lower member 210 includes a triangular shaped lower surface 212. The connecting member 214 includes a reinforcement flange 224.

Another embodiment of the support device is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Support device 300 includes upper member 302, a pair of connecting members 314 a,b with corresponding lower members 310 a,b and strike plate 318. The upper member 302 is composed of an elongated part 340 and a disk part 342. The disk is circular, but can be in essentially any shape. These two parts may be integrally formed or separately formed and then attached together by welding, fasteners, or the like. The elongated part 340 has an inverted V-shape cross-sectional shape. The elongated part 340 of the upper member 302 includes a soil insertion end portion 306 and a load end portion 308. The soil insertion end portion includes barbs 316. The disk part has an upper surface 304 on which an object can be placed. (The elongated part also can be used, in part, to hold an object.) The strike plate 318 includes a backstop 320.

Methods of Using the Support Devices

In one aspect, a method is provided for the level placement of an article on sloped terrain. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of (a) providing a support device which comprises (i) an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; (ii) a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and (iii) a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member; (b) inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into soil of the sloped terrain with the first lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil, such that the upper surface is secured in a substantially level orientation; and then (c) placing one or more articles on top of the upper surface of the upper member of the support device. In one example, the article is a potted plant. In a preferred method, the lower member is fully or partially inserted into the inclined surface. Alternatively, the lower member can be placed on top of the inclined surface. The method is essentially the same when the support device includes two or more lower members.

In one embodiment of the method, one or more of the support devices are inserted into terrain that is sloped at an angle between about 0° and about 90°. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the terrain is sloped at an angle between about 30° and about 60°. In another preferred embodiment of the method, the terrain is sloped at an angle of about 45°.

In a variation of this method, two or more of the support devices are provided, the soil insertion end portions of the two or more support devices are inserted into the soil at adjacent positions, and the article is placed onto the upper surfaces of the two or more support devices. A result of this method is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

To secure the support device into sloped terrain, such as a hill, a user levels and positions the insertion end of the upper member and the lower member(s) against the ground and then applies an insertion force to the load end of the upper member (e.g., against the strike plate, if present) and/or to the connecting member. The insertion force may be manually applied (e.g., by the user's hand or foot) if the soil is loose, and/or the insertion force can be applied with the aid of a hammer, mallet, or the like, particular if the soil is hard.

Essentially any object or article may be supported on the support device following its installation into the inclined surface. In preferred embodiments, suitable objects includes flower pots and containers for container gardening to fruits, vegetables, herbs, and the like. The support devices also can be used in various other landscaping applications. For instance, the support devices may be stages and spaced in positions to create terraced or interspersed designs, or multiple support devices may cooperate with a flat support such as a board, plank, or similar object to create steps for traversing the inclined surface or to create a larger flat surface for holding additional objects.

Publications cited herein and the materials for which they are cited are specifically incorporated by reference. Modifications and variations of the methods and devices described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain, comprising: an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.
 2. The support device of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is substantially planar.
 3. The support device of claim 1, wherein the first lower surface is substantially planar.
 4. The support device of claim 1, wherein the upper surface and the first lower surface are each planar and are substantially parallel to one another.
 5. The support device of claim 1, wherein the soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion is tapered.
 6. The support device of claim 1, wherein the soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion comprises one or more barbs.
 7. The support device of claim 1 wherein the load end portion of the elongated upper portion comprises a strike plate.
 8. The support device of claim 1, wherein the first connecting member comprises a reinforcement flange.
 9. The support device of claim 1, wherein the upper member, first connecting member, and first lower member are an integrally formed unitary structure.
 10. The support device of claim 9, wherein the unitary structure comprises a polymer or a metal.
 11. The support device of claim 1, wherein the upper member comprises a T-shaped cross-section.
 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface; and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first and second connecting members to the first and second lower surfaces.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper surface at the load end portion of the upper member comprises a lip or backstop.
 14. A support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain, comprising: an upper member which comprises an elongated plate which has a tapered soil insertion end and an opposing end and an upper support surface therebetween, a reinforcement flange running the length of the elongated plate on the side of the elongated plate which is distal to the upper support surface, and a strike plate located at the opposing end of the elongated plate; a rigid connecting member which is integral with and extends at an angle from the reinforcement flange of the upper member; and a lower plate member connected to the end of the rigid connecting member distal to the upper member.
 15. The support device of claim 14, wherein the reinforcement flange tapers toward the soil insertion end of the elongated plate.
 16. The support device of claim 15, wherein the reinforcement flange comprises one or more barbs.
 17. The support device of claim 14, which is made of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer.
 18. The support device of claim 14, wherein the lower plate member is triangular shaped with the apex pointing in the same direction as the tapered soil insertion end of the elongated plate of the upper member.
 19. A method of level placement of an article on sloped terrain comprising: providing a support device which comprises (i) an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; (ii) a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and (iii) a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into soil of the sloped terrain with the first lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil, such that the upper surface is secured in a substantially level orientation; and placing the article on top of the upper surface of the upper member of the support device.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the article is a potted plant.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the device further comprises (iv) a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface, and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, and wherein the step of inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into the soil further comprises having the second lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil. 